Walmart and People of Crypto Lab (POClab) have introduced “Cultureverse,” an immersive virtual experience celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop and the profound influence of Black culture. This initiative, set to launch in September on the Spatial platform, aims to pay homage to Hip-Hop’s pioneers and explore its evolution while promoting technology accessibility for Black creators.
POClab, known for its innovative blending of culture and technology, is behind groundbreaking projects such as the #MetaPride initiative, which introduced the first Pride festival in the metaverse. The studio has collaborated with notable partners like The Sandbox, Animoca Brands, Gaingels, and others.
The Cultureverse experience is supported by the annual hip-hop music festival, Rock the Bells, as well as other unnamed partners. Walmart, a leading collaborator in this endeavor, will utilize its Black & Unlimited platform to amplify opportunities for Black creators, makers, and entrepreneurs.
Through custom programming and unique collaborations integrated into the Cultureverse experience, Walmart aims to empower a new generation of culture builders and drive real-world impact through the virtual realm.
Justin Breton, Director of Brand Experiences and Strategic Partnerships at Walmart, highlighted the significance of Cultureverse in inspiring and supporting Black creators: “Cultureverse presents a unique opportunity to bring Walmart’s Black & Unlimited platform to the virtual world for the first time – all with the goal of inspiring a new generation of Black creators, entrepreneurs and culture builders and creating real-world impact in the process.”
Beyond being a one-time event, Cultureverse symbolizes a movement dedicated to inclusivity and the representation of underrepresented voices. Simone Berry, co-founder of POClab, emphasized the collaboration’s mission: “We are very proud to introduce Cultureverse and its mission, celebrating Black culture’s impact on society. This collaboration with Walmart’s Black & Unlimited aims to inspire a new generation of Black creators and foster an environment of innovation and inclusivity.”